Osborne Peninsula

What we do

Land Restoration

Our core work focuses on protecting and restoring native vegetation. Volunteers work throughout the year to remove invasive weeds; replant indigenous grasses, shrubs and trees; restore habitat for native wildlife; and, support residents in caring for their properties and roadside reserves.

Community Nursery

In 1996, Osborne Peninsula Landcare established a community nursery to support local revegetation efforts. Each year, the nursery produces over 2000 indigenous plants, including grasses, sedges, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Run entirely by volunteers, the nursery relies on community members for propagation, potting and watering during the hot summer months. As well as supporting the group’s restoration work, the nursery has become a vital social hub and learning space.

Community Fireguard

Caring for the land also means caring for community safety. Following the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983, local residents recognised that fire preparedness should be part of land stewardship. The Osborne Rd Community Fireguard Group was formed soon after and became the first Fireguard group established in Victoria. Today, we continue to promote responsible fire practices and preparedness, working with organisations such as the CFA to share knowledge and support the community.

Location

The Osborne Peninsula is nestled within a loop of the Yarra River in North Warrandyte and includes the areas of Osborne Rd, Hamilton Rd and Koornong Cres. Covering about 55ha, the peninsula is bordered by 3.2km of riverside public land, part of the Warrandyte State Park. This narrow ribbon of bushland, separating about 70 private properties from the Yarra River, forms an important ecological corridor. Despite its proximity to the city, the peninsula supports high-quality indigenous riparian forest and provides an almost continuous habitat link between Kinglake National Park and the Yarra River corridor. These connected habitats are essential for the movement of native wildlife and for maintaining the health of the river and surrounding bushland.